The Hyena Scientist

by Sy Montgomery, Nic Bishop

Overview

"An appealing, elegantly designed introduction to another much-maligned species." —Kirkus (starred review)

"A fascinating, informative, and inclusive window into a feared and misunderstood species." —Booklist (starred review)

This myth-busting addition to the critically acclaimed Scientists in the Field series by Sibert medal winning team Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop is perfect for nonfiction readers looking for more female scientist narratives, or a fresh perspective on an underrepresented animal—Hyenas!

Timely and inspiring, The Hyena Scientist sets the record straight about one of history’s most hated and misunderstood mammals, while featuring the groundbreaking, pioneering research of a female scientist in a predominately male field in this offering by Sibert-winning duo Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop.

As a scientist studying one of the only mammalian societies led entirely by females, zoologist Kay Holecamp has made it her life’s work to understand hyenas, the fascinating, complex creatures that are playful, social, and highly intelligent—almost nothing like the mangy monsters of pop culture lore.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063290860
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/15/2023
Series:	Scientists in the Field Series
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

In addition to researching films, articles, and thirty-six books, National Book Award finalist Sy Montgomery has been honored with a Sibert Medal, two Science Book and Film Prizes from the National Association for the Advancement of Science, three honorary degrees, and many other awards. She lives in Hancock, New Hampshire, with her husband, Howard Mansfield, and their border collie, Thurber.

Nic Bishop, who holds a doctorate in the biological sciences, is the photographer of many acclaimed books for children. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.Visit his website at: nicbishop.com  

Hometown:

Hancock, New Hampshire

Date of Birth:

February 7, 1958

Place of Birth:

Frankfurt, Germany

Education:

Syracuse University: B.A., Newhouse School of Public Communications, 1979; B.A., College of Arts and Sciences, 1979

Editorial Reviews

"An appealing, elegantly designed introduction to another much-maligned species." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A fascinating, informative, and inclusive window into a feared and misunderstood species." — Booklist (starred review)

"Montgomery shamelessly sells the spotted hyena as delightful and misunderstood, so animal-loving readers will be pleased to take up its cause." —  Neal Pollack, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, STARRED Review

"The narrative unfolds with all the intrigue of a detective story...Photo-filled and perceptive." — Publishers Weekly

"Another strong contribution to the Scientists in the Field series...a deeply detailed account of life in the field." — Horn Book Magazine

"Because Montgomery and Bishop traveled together to do the research for the book, there is a remarkably personal feel throughout as they become part of the team and participate in all aspects of the work, from spotting to packing up gear, and even cradling a sedated hyena’s head...A truly strong addition to the series and a worthwhile purchase for most libraries." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

05/21/2018
The hyena has a less-than-stellar reputation—something that Montgomery aims to remedy in the newest addition to the Scientists in the Field series. Readers join zoologist Kay Holekamp as she tracks and studies spotted hyenas in Kenya along with a multigenerational team of biologists. The narrative unfolds with all the intrigue of a detective story; as the team radio tracks hyenas in land cruisers, Montgomery recounts their observations as if they are unfolding in the moment: “Kay recognizes this hyena immediately from his spot pattern. It’s Decimeter’s younger brother, year-old Kilometer.” Montgomery shares her own riveting experiences as part of the team, including helping to dart and collect samples from a hyena: “I realize with alarm that a hyena is waking up in my lap,” she recalls. Photo-filled and perceptive, the narrative provides a window into the lives of these fascinating animals, as well as the individuals who devote themselves to their study. Ages 10–12. (May)

Publishers Weekly

★ 2018-03-27
A practiced and proficient team returns to the African plains to visit a field camp in Masai Mara, Kenya, where zoologist Kay Holekamp has been studying spotted hyenas for 30 years.This surprisingly engaging title introduces a species whose bad reputation is nearly universal. Holekamp disagrees. Her study of eight generations of hyenas has revealed the spotted hyena to be "an unexpectedly brave, smart, and extremely social species" as well as the "most formidable carnivore in Africa." During their 10-day visit, Montgomery and Bishop go with the researchers for morning and evening observations, watch one sedate a young male with a dart gun so all can take measurements and specimens, see a skirmish in a war between rival factions of the large Talek West hyena clan, and, during a downpour, when flood threatens, help evacuate precious specimens and equipment. Montgomery's graceful prose draws readers into the experience with clear explanations and vivid description. Bishop's striking photographs show off the doglike hyenas' furry cuteness. He includes close-ups of cubs at play and rest, researchers at work, and adult hyenas interacting with one another, as well as tent scenes, other wildlife, and the always-impressive scenery. Readers may be inspired by the stories of the white scientist's diverse team of assistants: a retired medical social worker, U.S. graduate students, and a young Kenyan who hopes to study in the U.S.An appealing, elegantly designed introduction to another much-maligned species. (fast facts, bibliography, acknowledgements, index) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

Kirkus Reviews